Rice University said it would begin renovations in May to the historic Sears building on Main Street, a project that aims to transform the Midtown property into the centerpiece of what leaders hope will become a thriving innovation district. Rice, which announced its latest plans for the property Wednesday, said the renovated 270,000-square-foot building will be renamed The Ion. Work is scheduled to commence in May. Click to read more at www.chron.com.